The award funds expeditions of every type, together with high-altitude first ascents and mapping and exploration initiatives.
Climber Masha Gordon has a mission. She based her nonprofit Grit&Rock in 2016 with two objectives. The first: assist teenage women develop self-confidence and psychological toughness via the avenue of climbing. The second: present funding for feminine adventurers to rack up explorations and first ascents.
So far, so good. Since its founding, Grit&Rock has funded over 30 expeditions in gnarly places everywhere in the world via the First Ascent Expedition Award.
Grit&Rock awards the grant yearly in three classes: Performance, Exploration, and Apprenticeship/Special Prize.
Per Grit&Rock’s web site, the Performance class is “reserved for ambitious high-altitude ascents where the degree of difficulty is carefully matched by a well-demonstrated skill.”
The Exploration class is for “beautifully crafted and well thought through projects on a smaller scale,” whereas the Apprenticeship/Special Prize is designed to advance the “alpine skills and independence of those who are making further steps in their climbing career.”
As of this writing, Grit&Rock is accepting functions in all three classes. The utility window closes on Feb. 28, 2023.
Patagonia and Beyond
The most up-to-date First Ascent Expedition was an spectacular 3-week journey throughout the Northern Patagonian Icefield involving packrafting, sled-hauling, bushwhacking, and mountaineering.
Climbers Isidora Llarena, Rebeca Caceres, and Nadine Lehner capped their 93-mile traverse of the icefield with a candy new route on Cerro Arenales. The mountain is the second-highest peak within the Northern Patagonian Icefield and the fifth highest within the Patagonian Andes. They have been the primary climbers to sort out the height since 1964.
After making their descent, the trio weathered a storm by constructing ice caves round their packrafts. When clear skies arrived, they spent 5 days sled-hauling gear masses throughout the icefield to a river earlier than paddling residence.
Rad.
So, are you a feminine climber with a cool concept? Download the utility and ship it on to award@gritandrock.com by Feb. 28 for consideration.
Good luck!